Just Ducky: Helfrich tabbed to fill Kelly's slot at Oregon

Eugene, OR (Sports Network) - The University of Oregon officially announced
the hiring Mark Helfrich as the school's 32nd head football coach on Sunday.

Helfrich takes over for Chip Kelly, who announced on Wednesday his intention
to leave for the head coaching vacancy with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"We were looking for a coach who exemplifies excellence, leadership and
character, and who would embrace what our winning football culture is all
about," Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said. "We found that person in
Mark. He is a man devoted to his family, to his players and to this University
and community, and I am excited to see him lead the Ducks to even greater
heights."

The 39-year-old Helfrich, an Oregon native, has been the offensive coordinator
for the Ducks since 2009, and has seven years of experience as an offensive
coordinator at two BCS schools and 15 as a quarterbacks coach.

The Register-Guard reported Helfrich was identified as the next coach of the
Ducks when Kelly nearly took a job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January of
2012. The newspaper also reported wide receivers coach Scott Frost will be
promoted to replace Helfrich as offensive coordinator.

"Thank you to President (Michael) Gottfredson and Rob Mullens for this
opportunity of a lifetime," Helfrich said. "As a lifelong Duck fan, this is a
responsibility that I welcome and accept the undertaking that stands before me
to carry on the legacy of success that has been created by my many
predecessors. I have been fortunate to have worked with a number of great
football coaches and mentors throughout my career and have utilized that
knowledge to help make me a better coach."

Oregon, which made an appearance in the 2011 BCS title game under Kelly,
finished last season at 12-1. The Ducks averaged 49.6 points per game and
topped Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl.